Although the term setsubun refers to the turning of any season in Japan, only one of the four annual occurrences is a well-known holiday. On February 3, the Japanese usher in spring with purifying rituals.
Virtual Travel with Umami: Shimane
Until we can all travel again, indulge in the deep history and food culture of Japan's beautiful Shimane prefecture virtually.
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Culture, Food Traditions, Seasonal, Winter
12 Months of Japanese Holidays: December’s Toji, Christmas Eve and Omisoka
In Japan, December means three major holidays: the winter solstice celebration, known as Toji; Christmas Eve; and Omisoka, the New Year's Eve purity rites, which take place in both the shrine and the home.
This winter, get out of the cold weather and visit a Japanese Food mecca south of the equator like Singapore, Easter Island and Hawaii.
There are many ways to enjoy Japanese rice porridge, whether you're feeling sick or just hoping to warm up after being in the cold. By adding things such as meat, eggs, and vegetables, you can make a hearty and filling meal out of simple ingredients.
When cooking Japanese food in season, choose carrots and mung bean sprouts for the month of January. They add plenty of flavor to a wide variety of traditional Japanese dishes, as well as nutrition and health benefits.
In Japan, people often cook with fresh, in-season ingredients. During the cold month of December, hakusai (nappa cabbage), kabu (turnips) and daikon radishes are the perfect accompaniments to many hearty and warming dishes.
Osechi ryori is a celebratory meal in Japan, enjoyed during the New Year holiday and shared with family. The foods that comprise osechi ryori each have its own meaning and symbolism, many representing health, wealth, and happiness for the new year.
Got the winter blues? What you need is nabemono and warm sake, a Japanese tradition. Find out how it all works here.
Culture, Food Traditions, Seasonal, Winter
12 Months of Japanese Holidays: January’s San Ga Nichi, Nanakusa and Kagami Biraki
The month of January brings three of the most significant holidays in Japanese culture: San Ga Nichi, the first three days of the new year; Nanakusa, when the Japanese esat seven-herb porridge; and Kagami Biraki, the opening of the mochi.
Do you see cold nights in your near future? If so, turn them into an opportunity to gather your friends and practice your sake-serving skills with this guide.
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Quick & Easy Recipes
Do you want to up your summer dip game? Try this miso dip to impress!
Miso, mirin, and sake provide the flavor-rich marinade base for Salmon Saikyo Yaki, an authentic Japanese food recipe that is popular in restaurants all over the world and now can be created in four easy steps right in your home kitchen.
Soy and butter combine to deliver a savory flavor punch you will not soon forget with our easy-to-make authentic Japanese recipe for butter sautéed spinach and egg scramble that you can make from scratch right in your home kitchen.
The ingredients are simple, but it still makes a great dish. The butter and soy sauce add additional flavor to the vegetables!
Ketchup rice covered with a thin omelet. Try this once and you might fall in love with the tastiness!
Get ready to impress friends and family with our easy-to-follow recipe and video for katsuobushi and broccoli salad, an authentic Japanese food recipe based on just two ingredients yet packing a flavor punch that will get you a standing ovation.
Many Japanese families have their own Nikujyaga recipes, which gets passed down from generation to generation. Discover your own take of the Nikujyaga recipe!
The sesame dressing adds to the tofu and asparagus salad! Make a lot of the dressing so you can stock it for multiple uses.
Soy milk dressing is healthier than your regular Caesar salad dressing!
Easy-to-follow recipe and video for enoki mushroom and spinach mayonnaise salad, plus everything you need to know about Japanese mushrooms and mayonnaise.
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Umami Insider interviewed Nobu from Yama Seafood, a master of seafood behind the delicious fish you eat at notable restaurants in tri-state and beyond. Find out what makes Yama Seafood one of the best in the seafood industry.
On the island of Honshu in Japan, a unique culinary tradition persists. Maple trees are stripped of their foliage, known as momiji, which is then preserved in salt and ultimately deep fried as a snack.
Dorayaki is a perfect snack for all ages. Red bean paste is delicious, but you can substitute the fillings with fresh cream, ice cream, or any cream you prefer!
With these meal kits, you can now easily make three popular Japanese dishes in no time. They are all vegetarian-friendly! Pick up your favorite produce items to make a Japanese meal at home.
This beautiful raindrop is actually a delicious Japanese dessert. It looks gorgeous but not that hard to make at home. Serve this, and you will wow your family and friends!
